Houston Texans: 2 wide receivers they could select with the 12th pick of the NFL Draft

Jaxon Smith-Njigba - WR - Ohio State

Some scouts have said Jaxon Smith-Njigba is the best wide receiver in this class and it’s possible he could go later in the draft than 12 overall or possibly sooner; however, with the Texans’ need at the position, this makes sense.

Smith-Njigba is 6’1″ and weighs about 196 pounds.  At the combine, he ran a 4.52, not blazing but adequate.  Those numbers don’t really pop but he brings elite quickness and an ability to find open spots.  Despite lacking elite-level speed, he’s still able to get downfield, creating separation with excellent route-running ability.  He’s also solid in run blocking.

Smith-Njigba’s junior year, 2022, was cut short by a hamstring injury.  The injury limited him to just three games, recording only four receptions all season.  Additionally, as a freshman, he played in seven games, making ten receptions.  It was his sophomore year in 2021 that was extraordinary.

In that 2021 season, Smith-Njigba caught 95 passes for 1,606 (Big Ten record) yards and nine touchdowns, producing the single greatest season in Big Ten history.  He also set a Rose Bowl record that season with 347 receiving yards on 15 receptions, earning him MVP honors for the game.